Former New York Islanders 11th Overall Pick Oliver Wahlstrom Claimed on Waivers by Conference Rival

The New York Islanders made the shock call to waive Oliver Wahlstrom on Friday, and now he's been claimed by an Eastern Conference rival.

Despite some high draft picks in recent years, the New York Islanders continue to lack high level talent at the NHL level, and unfortunately it's costing them as they are once again struggling to string together wins.

That makes their latest move all the more shocking, as the team placed former No. 11 overall draft pick Oliver Wahlstrom on waivers on Friday, seemingly giving up on the young winger.

Unsurprisingly, given his age and potential, there was plenty of interest in him on waivers, and now it has been confirmed that Don Sweeney and the Boston Bruins have officially landed him.

The 24-year old posted a career high of 24 points back in 2021/22, and while he's yet to replicate or even improve those numbers, he's playing in one of the most stagnant offensive systems in the entire NHL.

With just 2 goals and 4 points this season, his value has likely never been lower, but given how New York have struggled to develop elite offensive players, this doesn't come as much of a shock.

Standing at 6-foot-2, Wahlstrom has the size and the skill to be a star at the NHL level, and now it appears the Bruins, a team in need of a serious offensive spark may be the team to bring the best out of him.

With a spot or two potentially up for grabs in the Bruins top-nine, Wahlstrom could slot in nicely, and while he's yet to produce at a high level in the NHL, this is his best opportunity yet to do so.

It's unclear if the Islanders will ever regret this move, as Wahlstrom may turn out to be another failed first-round draft pick, but given that he's still just 24-years of age, it's a major shock that they couldn't be a little more patient with his development.

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